Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
